Miss Sunderland hopefuls put through four-hour bootcamp

MISS Sunderland hopefuls were put through their paces when they took part in a four-hour bootcamp.

The contestants took on a series of gruelling fitness challenges in the hope of being crowned Miss Sportswoman.

Miss Sunderland contestants competed to be named Miss Sportswoman. Becky Nelson claimed the top prize with Courtney Gilby in second and Hollie Lancaster in third place.

It was 23-year-old Becky Nelson, from Lanchester, County Durham, who claimed the title at CrossFit gym in Sedling Road, Washington, on Sunday.

Courtney Gilby and Hollie Lancaster came in second and third place, respectively.

The girls were led through a variety of fitness routines by CrossFit instructors Gavin Cogdon, John-Lee Lydon and Michael Williamson, including rowing for 1,000 metres, an agility workout, burpees and a workout specially designed by the gym staff.

Gavin said: “We’ve made this as fun as possible for the girls and hope that they’ve learned some new things from it.

“Even though this is a competition, it’s great to see the way the whole group is supporting each other and helping each other out.”

Jodie Breeds, who organises the Miss Sunderland contest, said: “We like to follow the format of Miss England as closely as we can to prepare our girls for making it to the contest, and there is a similar bootcamp stage at Miss England.

“This round obviously sees us name our Miss Sportswoman, but is all about promoting the importance of fitness as well.

“The bootcamp has been really interesting to watch because some of the girls have never done this kind of thing before. A lot of them are dancers, but this is a very different kind of workout.

“Miss Sunderland is about supporting local businesses as well, and when we approached Gavin about having the bootcamp here, he was really happy to support the girls and the competition.

“It’s great to see the way the girls have supported each other as well. Despite this being a competition they’ve really spurred each other on and helped each other out, and it’s great.

“It has been hard work for them doing this over four hours, but it’s been really enjoyable as well and they’ve all had a good time.”